“Dr. Phil” Show Drops Plans For Show On Teen Beating

Fingers are apparently pointing wildly over at the “Dr. Phil” show. It’s not exactly clear why someone connected with the show put up bail for Mercedes Nichols, one of the teens accused in the videotaped beating of another teen, but execs now say they won’t move forward with plans to cover the story. Guaranteeing bail for the teen “went beyond the guidelines” established for “Dr. Phil” employees, according to show spokespeople. Compare this kerfuffle with the flap surrounding Dr. Phil’s visit to a hospitalized Britney Spears; MSNBC.com speculates that the show may be on its way out.